What Internal Communication Model do you use?

Internal communication is critical to the success of any organization. But which internal communication model is the best fit for your organization? In this article, we discuss various internal communication models that you can use to improve your internal communication.

A well-designed internal communication model not only helps streamline internal communication in the organization. Not only does it help streamline information, it also plays a key role in improving employee engagement and satisfaction. In this blog, we discuss some of the most used internal communication models and their applications within organizations.

What is an Internal Communication Model?

One internal communication model is a framework that organizations use to structure and optimize their communication processes. By choosing an appropriate model, companies can ensure that their internal communication is effective and contributes to their organizational goals.

Examples of internal communication models include:

1. Basic Communication Model: Transmitter-Receiver

The transmitter-receiver model is one of the simplest and most fundamental communication models. The model consists of a transmitter that transmits a message to a receiver. While this model has received criticism for its simplistic approach, it forms the basis for much more complex internal communication models that were developed later. This model is useful for understanding the basic principles of internal communication and the potential noise that may occur during the process.

2. Lasswell's communication model

Lasswell's communication model offers a deeper analysis of the communication process by asking five essential questions: Who says what, via which channel, to whom, and with what effect? This linear model is particularly useful for analysing existing internal communication strategies and evaluating their effectiveness. While the model does not take feedback into account, it offers a structured way of understanding communication processes.

3. Van Ruler's communication hub

Van Ruler's communication intersection is designed to help organizations choose the right communication strategy for different situations. The model distinguishes between four basic strategies: informing, persuasion, dialogue and formation. Each strategy is placed on an axis that shows the degree of influence and the direction of internal communication (one-way vs. two-way). This model is particularly valuable for organizations that want to tailor their communication to specific target groups and situations.

4. Quirke's Staircase

One communication plan model helps organizations take a structured approach to internal communication. A commonly used internal communication model such as the Quirke's Trap Model can be valuable here.

The Quirke Trap is a practical model that focuses on internal communication during change processes. The model links different phases of the change process to concrete communication tools and “states of mind” that are expected of employees. This helps structure internal communication efforts and ensures that employees are well informed and remain involved throughout the change process.

5. TOCOM Modell

The TOCOM model provides insight into the various elements that influence internal communication within an organization, such as organizational structure, culture and strategy. This model is particularly useful for identifying links between these elements and optimizing internal communication. The model highlights the importance of taking a holistic approach to internal communication, taking into account all factors that influence communication.

How to Choose the Right Internal Communication Model

Choosing the right internal communication model starts with a good analysis of your organization. Ask yourself a few important questions:

What are the biggest communication challenges we are currently experiencing?

Perhaps information does not flow properly between departments, or there is a lack of engagement among employees.

What do we want to achieve with our communication?

For example, do you want employees to feel more involved, or do you want decisions to be made more quickly? Next, it's essential to look at the structure of your organization. In a hierarchical organization with multiple layers of management, a model that emphasizes clear lines of communication often works better, such as Quirke's Trap. In a flat organization, a model that focuses on open communication and cooperation, such as the Communication Intersection, may be more appropriate.

Finally, consider scalability.

Choose a model that's easy to adapt as your organization grows or changes, so you don't have to start over and over again.

Conclusion

An effective internal communication model is essential to the success of any organization. Through the right internal communication models by choosing and applying, you improve employee engagement and satisfaction. Understanding and implementing models such as the transmitter-receiver model, it Lasswell's communication model, it Van Ruler's communication intersection, the Quirke's staircase, and the TOCOM modell helps to improve the effect of your internal communication-to enlarge and make actions visible.

In practice, you often see that changes and improvements do not lead to the desired effect. In 9 out of 10 cases, this is due to insufficient internal communication. For example, you may have developed a wonderful new employee training program, but if the employee knows nothing about it, it will not improve satisfaction. Internal communication is often the most difficult but most important step in this.

To determine which message to communicate to employees, Deepler helps you determine which themes need to be discussed. Visit www.deepler.io for more information about how we use your internal communication can optimize.

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